My relationship with photography

Growing up, I have always been creative. I liked to make things, and draw and color, I loved the artistic side of the world, photography included! However I was told that those things were hobbies; That a career in photography was the easiest way to not succeed in life. I would pick up my camera and take pictures of my family and friends, but as I was snapping away, I would hear myself say 'Oh I'm not a professional photographer or anything'. I would pour hundreds and thousands of dollars into my photography 'hobby' while also trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I went to college on and off for 5 years, switching my major 3 times, going into debt from student loans, and still not satisfied with the direction my life was going. When my best friend announced she was expecting, I was ecstatic for her! I told her I would research and learn how to do newborn photography, so I could take pictures of her daughter for her, and so I did. I watched hours of videos, read countless articles and joined a bunch of different Facebook groups to learn how to safely pose and photograph baby Rowan. While researching, I fell in love. I saw people with dream jobs where they get to play with babies all day, and I gotta say, I thought it was the best, most fun and easiest job ever. The reality is a little different, this job is HARD, but it is the most rewarding and amazing job ever. Rowan arrived a little earlier than expected, and we did her newborn session when she was 5 weeks and 5 pounds. She cried and peed on me, and would only let me pose her while wrapped, but I was already in love. I knew then, THIS is what I wanted to do the rest of my life. With confidence, I told my friends and family and while they were doubtful, I didn't let that get me down. I just knew I could be successful. I knew it would be an uphill battle, but I loved what I was doing, so I would power through. I have improved tremendously since that first session, and though i was told all my life it was impossible, I can see success as a photographer in my future.